Sisters,
Congratulations to all our graduating sisters! On behalf of the National Leadership Team, I would like to wish our graduates the best of luck as they start their careers with their first job, go back to the farm or continue their education in grad school.
This is my last Emerald Times message as your President. I can’t believe it has been four years since I was elected as President and 13 years since I started my journey on the Sigma Alpha National Leadership Team (NLT).
As I reflect on my time on the NLT, I can’t help but think of how blessed and grateful I am to be a Sigma Alpha sister.
I started my journey a year after I graduated college when I was looking for something to fill that empty space I wasn’t getting at my entry level job: leadership. Sigma Alpha provides leadership positions, whether it is being a collegiate/alumnae chapter president, committee chair or serving on the national level in any capacity. I am grateful to have had all the opportunities to use my leadership skills but to also continue to grow as a leader. I encourage you all to look at opportunities in your community and get involved in one or two organizations.
I have been blessed to meet a ton of sisters from all over the country since I was activated as a sister. My junior year of college, I met a sister from the Alpha Psi chapter when I attended National Convention. We ended up serving as National Chapter Consultants together, and now, sixteen years later, we are still connected and talk regularly. Most people say they want to visit all 50 states by a certain age but how cool would it be to say you know a Sigma Alpha sister in all 50 states. I really look forward to meeting more Sigma Alpha sisters in the future.
In Sisterhood, Kim Neumann National Sorority Board President nationalpresident@sigmaalpha.orgAs I close, I want to thank everyone that I have crossed paths with. My journey with Sigma Alpha has been life changing.
Dear Women of Sigma Alpha,
It is with tremendous enthusiasm and joy that I begin my journey as the Executive Director of Sigma Alpha. I have been involved in both agriculture and student development for most of my career. I am eager to join the incredible Sigma Alpha National Leadership Team and Staff. One of my professional passions is preparing and connecting students to their future life and career. I feel incredibly grateful to play a small role in developing the future leaders in agriculture.
I grew up in northern Nevada where my mother was my 4-H leader and my dad an agriculture teacher and FFA advisor. My parents instilled in me a love of education, agriculture and the importance of a strong work ethic. I look forward to putting those values to work on behalf of the women of Sigma Alpha.
As I am learning more about the sorority, its members and leadership, I am more convinced every day that there is tremendous opportunity to grow Sigma Alpha. I don’t just mean in membership, although delivering Sigma Alpha’s mission to more women is exciting and part of the strategic plan. I see great opportunities to provide more rich experiences for all members to engage in preparing for their future. We can bring more resources to local chapters to engage members in their career navigation and leadership development encompassing the development of all four pillars in each member. We can bring more business partners to the sorority to connect women to their future careers and we can build on the amazing legacy of the Sigma Alpha alumnae.
I am thankful to the National Sorority Board for their confidence in my leadership and for my teammates on staff, Chapter Consultants and collegiate members for welcoming me with kindness and positive energy. I am committed to the growth of Sigma Alpha and its members. I ask for your help by participating in the upcoming opportunities we will create to share your ideas and feedback on the future of the sorority.
The future is so exciting for Sigma Alpha and that is because of its members! Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this important work!
In Sisterhood,
Kelly Horton Executive Director kelly.horton@sigmaalpha.org
Teresa has been passionate about agriculture from an early age, raising sheep and cattle with her grandpa and being active in both 4-H and FFA at the local, state, and national level. Her passion for agriculture, coupled with her desire to help others succeed, led her to earn her B.S. in Agriculture Education from Iowa State University, where she was an active member of the Delta Chapter.
After graduation, she moved to Kansas where she and her husband, Luke, are the fifth generation on his family’s farm with their three boys. They raise soybeans, wheat, and grain sorghum and manage a cow-calf herd, and Teresa has volunteered with the Kansas Soybean Association for over 13 years, recently finishing her term as Board President. In 2019, after nearly a decade in the classroom as a science and agriculture teacher, Teresa came to work at Sigma Alpha Headquarters, where she loves having the opportunity to work with and serve her sisters!
Teresa can be reached at teresa.brandenburg@sigmaalpha.org
Grace graduated from Montana State University in 2023 with a degree in Business Management and minors in Agriculture Business and Small Business Management & Entrepreneurship.
She is an alumna of the Gamma Beta chapter where she served as Recruitment Director, Vice President, and President. Grace grew up on a cow-calf and quarter-horse breeding operation in Big Sandy, Montana.
In her free time, she enjoys hiking, finding the perfect coffee shops, sailing when possible, and spending time with friends and family. At the moment, Grace is looking forward to her new last name when she gets married next month!
Grace can be reached at grace.finke@sigmaalpha.org
Abbie was born and raised on a first generation dairy farm in Central NY. Her upbringing cultivated a passion for agriculture and science at an early age. These interests drove her to complete her B.S. Animal Science with a minor in Education and focus in Dairy Management at Cornell University, where she was Second Vice President, and President of the Alpha Psi chapter.
After graduation, she wanted to stay connected with Sigma Alpha, so she spend two years as a Chapter Consultant and member of the National Leadership Team, serving Regions 5 and 3.
When her term was up, she was brought on to the headquarters staff as Emerald Times Editor and Communications Consultant.
Today, Abbie and her husband are the second generation on her family’s dairy farm. In addition to milking cows, they also have a solar grazing business and local beef business. Abbie also works full time as a Farm Sustainability Associate with Ever.Ag. In her free time, Abbie enjoys spending time with her many animals (sheep, goats, dogs, cats, and cows!), hiking, kayaking, and landscaping.
It has been over 17 years since I last participated in a Monday night chapter meeting, and yet, conducting an interview with my fellow Rho chapter alumna Lindsay McNeill Humphreys about her successful photography business felt like no time had passed at all.
Throughout these 17 years, through the power of social media, I congratulated Lindsay on graduating from our Alma mater, Texas Tech University. I sent best wishes when she married fellow alumni Will in 2014, and again after the births of her precious children, Brazos (7) and Blayke (4).
But perhaps what I have commented on the most over the last decade is Lindsay’s creative spirit. This creativity continuously reveals itself through her beautiful works of art in different mediums. Each semester in college she added an art class to her schedule, including a few photography classes, amongst the many science courses required for her degree.
Lindsay reflected on those courses saying, “My grandpa gave me a camera to use; it was film and very vintage. The professor made us turn all our photo assignments in on slides, so I would take the film to Armadillo Camera for development. Nothing was digital.”
After graduating with dual degrees in Animal Science and Clinical Laboratory Science, Lindsay worked in the medical field and tabled her creative hobbies while establishing her career. However, once Brazos was born, she quickly found her calling as a stay-at-home mom with a desire to document his fleeting childhood moments. Her interest in photography only intensified during the following years and she bought her first digital camera shortly after the birth of her daughter Blayke.
Lindsay worked hard to hone her digital skills while photographing her family and the rural west Texas landscapes around her. When she expanded to portraits of other families, her lack of experience gave her a greater passion for continuing to develop her talent.
“Sometimes I would have the F-Stop completely backwards and had to redo poses during a session. I didn’t charge for a long time, but I was always learning.”
Lindsay began entering photo contests and online challenges that led to the publication of her images in the Texas Co-Op Power magazine as well as advertising materials for Gebos. Her photos have been featured in their store calendar for 3 years running. She recalled how sometimes she is still surprised by her images in the store and catalogs, as she and her family are frequent customers.
“I went to purchase a gift card at Gebos for my father-in-law and realized it was my photo on the gift card. Even better, it was a photo I had taken of my father-in-law along with my son at a chuck wagon cookout. That was exciting for me. I had to get that one for him.”
These days Lindsay shoots a variety of sessions, from family portraits and school sports to the occasional wedding with her upgraded mirrorless camera equipment. But her favorite photos are still ones of her family in the small town where she and her husband grew up, and now reside – whether they are playing T-Ball, or out for a family picnic.
“My favorite place to shoot is Dickens Springs. I like to find new spots that are here. This is home for us and why I continue to shoot the rural lifestyle,” she explains.
Her goals for this year include increasing her knowledge of flash and studio photography and expanding her wildlife portrait collection. Through this journey, she says she has begun to develop her own personal style of photography, leaning into the natural light sessions she is most comfortable in.
“You can compare yourself to everyone, but in the end, you must shoot what you like to shoot versus what everyone else is doing. I want something different than everyone else, so I must keep growing.”
Lindsay’s photography works can be found on Facebook @LindsayHumphreysPhotography or her website lindsayhumphreys.pixieset.com.
Article contributed by:
Heather Hyde Volunteer Writer Alumna Rho 07’
More than 200 sisters gathered across the country in February for one of four in-person leadership development opportunities. The 2024 Leadership Seminars, in partnership with Alpha Gamma Rho, allowed sisters to be ALL-IN on their personal growth, chapter development and leadership skills.
Sessions were led by two Sigma Alpha alumnae and two Alpha Gamma Rho alumnae. Topics ranged from “All-INtense Conversations”, “Crash Course in Confidence”, “Breaking the Burnout Cycle” and “Career Readiness”.
In addition to these personal growth sessions, sisters participated in a special session that focused on recruitment and provided an opportunity for chapters to share tips with each other. Each seminar honored an alumna with the Spirit of Ruth award. Congratulations to this year’s recipients: Brenda Sellers, Kelly Kundratic, Kayla Blake, and Kate Link.
The Spirit of Ruth Award was created to recognize Sigma Alpha Alumnae who embody the spirit of Ruth through active involvement, leadership, and commitment to the field of agriculture.
Recipients of this award demonstrate the ideals of Sigma Alpha by living the four pillars: Scholarship, Leadership, Fellowship, and Service in their personal and/or professional lives
Internships are a valuable experience to put on a resume and they are something most employers are looking for during the hiring process.
1. Take advantage of the opportunities presented to you. You don't have the experience till you have tried it. It might not be fun and it might not be glamorous but taking the chance to learn, see, and observe can add more to your toolbox than you realize.
2. Don't be afraid to say you don't know something or know how to do a task. As an intern, you're expected to have to learn and to be taught several things. Set yourself up for success by asking questions before starting to ensure you know what is expected from you, an idea of how the task should be completed, and know your resources for accomplishing your goals.
3. Show up and show out! Long days can be a part of most internships. Bask in the opportunities that present themselves. When putting in long days, take care of yourself but make sure you always give 110%. It is a promise that someone is watching and will take note!
4. Several companies hire a large portion of their new hires based off internal internships and/or recommendations from your internship experiences. Set the example of how you best represent yourself in the professional setting. A common industry and hiring statement is: Internships are essentially a 3-month long interview.
5. Network with a purpose! Find folks you admire, who are well respected, and who get you. This might be 1 person or 10; your circle can never be too big and always has room to change size. Foster the relationship with them that builds your professional foothold.
6. Make sure you are accomplishing what is laid before you but don't be afraid to also ask about other experiences that you can take a part of (especially if presented). Just because you are assigned to one area or one project doesn't mean there isn't a chance for you to see and learn other parts of the business. If you're curious, ask and try your hardest to do!
7. Ask for feedback along the way and at the end. Don't wait till the end of the summer to receive feedback. Establish a beneficial way to gauge how your experience is going and make sure you are hitting all the expected marks. Consider some of the common feedback methods of weekly or bi-weekly check in calls, project update meetings, or just make the habit of connecting with your key stakeholders and asking for input along the way (use it almost like a brainstorming session).
Are you interested in giving back to the sorority? There are a number of ways to volunteer your time, ranging from a few hours of time to a two year term!
Chapter Consultants are alumnae volunteers who serve as a direct link to active chapters. Their primary roles are to conduct National Chapter Visits on chapters around the country, mentor and support collegiate chapter officers, provide consistent and timely review of chapter activities, and deliver resources and communications to active sisters. Chapter Consultants serve two year terms.
The National Sorority Board members are alumnae volunteers who provide strategic direction to the organization in line with our bylaws, policies, and procedures, They actively cultivate bonds of sisterhood between members, and service as Sorority representatives as industry and affiliated events, National Sorority Board members service 2 year terms.
Each year, a panel of alumnae judges volunteer their time score member activities and reports in line with our four pillars, and determine award winners across the nation. Award judges only need to volunteer a few hours of their time!
Do you love Sigma Alpha, public speaking, facilitation, or teaching? Do you enjoy traveling and meeting agricultural professionals from across the country? Consider applying to be a Leadership Seminar Facilitator!
In this role, you will collaborate with the Leadership Seminar Coordinator to create curriculum and present to collegiate members of Sigma Alpha and Alpha Gamma Rho at Leadership Seminars in February and March of 2025.
Time Commitment: six months of planning and travel events in October & November and four weekends in February & March.
As the vibrant blooms of May unfold and the warmth of June approaches, we find ourselves at the intersection of tradition and innovation, celebrating two pillars of agriculture: National Beef Month and National Dairy Month. These observances not only honor the enduring legacy of the beef and dairy industries but also shine a spotlight on the dedication and resilience of farmers and ranchers who nurture these sectors.
In May, National Beef Month offers us a time to reflect on the profound contributions of the beef industry. From the tranquil pastures to the bustling feedlots, the dedication of cattle farmers resonates throughout our communities, enriching our lives with every succulent bite of beef.
As we honor National Beef Month, it's imperative to recognize the multifaceted nature of the beef industry. Cattle producers face challenges such as fluctuating market demands and sustainability concerns. However, the beef industry remains a cornerstone of the U.S. economy, contributing over $38.1 billion annually, as reported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service (ERS).
Noteworthy successes have been achieved through advancements in sustainable ranching practices. According to the Beef Checkoff Program, the U.S. has had the lowest GHG emission intensity in the world since 1996. These achievement underscore the industry's resilience and commitment to responsible stewardship of the land.
In June, our attention turns to Dairy Month, a celebration of the dairy industry's rich heritage and continued innovation. From the gentle lowing of cows in the barn to the creamy richness of milk and cheese, dairy farming is a symphony of sights, sounds, and flavors that nourish the soul. According to the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), the dairy industry contributes 3.3 million jobs and over $752 billion to the U.S. economy annually, highlighting its far-reaching impact.
Amidst the celebration, there's an intriguing development in dairy innovation. Sam Alcaine, an assistant professor in the Department of Food Science at Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, is researching the conversion of dairy product waste, particularly acid whey produced during Greek yogurt production, into an alcoholic beverage. This inventive approach not only addresses dairy waste management challenges but also presents new economic opportunities for dairies by tapping into the craft beer market.
During National Beef Month and National Dairy Month, we not only pay tribute to the hard work and dedication of farmers and ranchers but also celebrate our appreciation for the essential roles the beef and dairy industries play in our lives and economy. As we savor the facts of the industries, we can explore flavors as well.
Below, you’ll find a few recipes to try in celebration. Whether it's enjoying a grilled steak or indulging in a creamy scoop of ice cream, let us remember the hands that feed us and the land that sustains us. Happy National Beef Month and Dairy Month!
Ingredients: one pound of ground beef, two sweet onions, two teaspoons of salt to season the meat, four slices of American cheese, four hamburger buns
1. Roll the ground beef into four balls (similar to meat balls in appearance) weighing approximately four ounces each.
2. Slice onions very thinly into about two cups worth.
3. Heat skillet or pan on high heat for one minute then add beef meat balls and season with salt.
4. Top each hamburger patty with one-quarter of the thinly sliced onions (approximately one-half cup each) and gently press onions into meat.
5. Use a spatula to press each patty into thin patties and continue cooking for two minutes.
6. Flip patties to cook thoroughly. Top cooked patty with cheese and one side of the bun while other side continues to cook.
7. Once burger has fully cooked or reached an internal temperature of 140-145 degrees (medium), 150-155 degrees (medium-well), or 160-165 degrees (well done).
8. Remove from heat, add any additional toppings and place bun on top.
Extra tip: Use butter to grease your pan before you cook hamburger patties for extra flavor and juiciness.
Ingredients: one medium sized plastic zipper seal bag, one large plastic zipper seal bag, one cup of half-and-half, two tablespoons of granulated sugar, one-half teaspoon of vanilla extract, three cups of ice, one-third cup Kosher salt
1. Add half-and-half, sugar vanilla extract into zipper storage bag. Remove air and seal bag.
2. Add ice and seal in the large resealable zipper bag then add the smaller zipper bag into the bag and seal.
3. Shake bags as much as you can for ten minutes or until the ice cream has firmed.
4. Remove ice cream from the small bag, top with your favorite toppings and enjoy.
Extra tip: Use ingredients you may have in your kitchen such as bananas, cherries, chocolate syrup, sprinkles, cookies (crumbled), or nuts as toppings.
Written By: Shannon Fry Beta Gamma Alumna Volunteer Writer
